* Get your community involved. First involve the library community (staff, trustees, friends and volunteers). Then involve the public or your school, university, college or institutional community.

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* Organize a local committee.

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* Be flexible. The other library may have somewhat different objectives and expectations. Both libraries need to be involved in shaping the relationship.

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* If you are establishing contact with a library in a non-English speaking country, make sure you have someone on your staff or in your community who is fluent in the language of the other country and is willing to act as your liaison.

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'''How can your community help?'''

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* First involve the library community (staff, trustees, friends and volunteers).

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* If you are part of a larger institution, see who else is interested. Who is doing similar activities?

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* Reach out to the public. Organize a local committee.

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* Find out if you have someone on your staff or in your community who is fluent in the language of the other country and is willing to act as your liaison.

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'''How might your participation change over time?'''

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* Be flexible. The other library may have somewhat different objectives and expectations. Both libraries need to be involved in shaping the relationship.

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* If management or staffing change, how might your participation be affected?

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'''For More Information:''' <br>

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* Check in with your Sister Library frequently.

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American Library Association<br>

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{{For More Information}}

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International Relations Office<br>

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Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 3201<br>

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Fax: 312-280-4392<br>

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[mailto:intl@ala.org intl@ala.org]

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Latest revision as of 00:19, 19 February 2014

Before initiating a sister library relationship, consider the following questions. Depending on your situation, there may be other steps you must take.

Who is on board?

Educate your staff and administration about the Sister Library idea. Who is most interested and available to help?

If you are a public librarian, involve your board in discussions about what you want to achieve.